Posts in category: Life Style

Even if you haven’t heard the buzz about vitamin E oil chances are extremely high that this ingredient is used in a lot of your favorite skincare products. It’s everywhere—and for good reason. Dry skin? Fine lines? Redness? Yes, vitamin E treats all of those and more. Below, the experts break down the ingredient in more detail and explain what it is, its benefits, and why you should be using it.

What is vitamin E?

As Margarita Lolis, MD, New Jersey-based board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, describes it, vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that comes in eight different forms. It can be found in oils, nuts, fruits, and vegetables for oral intake. But where skincare is concerned, Lolis points out that it can be naturally found in our body, and also found in many products as a topical vitamin E that you can apply.

“It’s an antioxidant and is naturally found in our own sebum. In fact, people with oily skin are found to have higher levels of Vitamin E, ” adds Krupa Koestline, a cosmetic chemist and founder of KKT Consultants. She goes on to say that the two most common forms of vitamin E found in skincare are tocopherols and tocotrienols. Because vitamin E is lipophilic (“lipid loving,” she explains), it can penetrate the skin well to provide us with its many benefits.

How does vitamin E oil benefit the skin?

Vitamin E is mostly used for its antioxidant and hydrating properties. Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, says it helps protect the skin from free radical damage and is also a humectant and emollient to help the skin lock in moisture and keep dryness at bay. Other benefits include its ability to help heal wounds such as scars and burns and its anti-inflammatory properties that can calm irritation and make it great for skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea. As Koestline explains, it is an anti-inflammatory agent that has been shown to help reduce swelling and redness by limiting inflammatory responses. She adds that some studies even suggest that it may help reduce redness and the appearance of newly formed scars. This can be incredibly helpful when dealing with pesky acne scars.

It is also known to provide some photoprotection from the sun. But don’t throw out your sunscreen just yet. Koestline says that vitamin E alone is not a true UV filter as it has a limited range of wavelengths it can absorb. But it can still provide some protection by reducing UV damage and providing a shield for our skin from environmental aggressors and further sun damage. So it’s worth pairing with your favourite sunscreen for the ultimate sun protection against skin cancer.

Are there any downsides to using vitamin E oil?

The bad news is that vitamin E might not be suitable for all skin types. According to Garshick, vitamin E is a known allergen and could potentially cause irritation or an allergic reaction in some. Lolis adds that it is also comedogenic and contributes to breakouts. Both experts say that those with oily and acne-prone or sensitive skin should proceed with caution when incorporating it into their routines. Do a patch test to see how your skin reacts before applying it to your face. For any questions or concerns, consult your dermatologist for the best game plan if you’re keen on incorporating this into your routine.

What’s the difference between vitamin E and vitamin C?

Vitamin E and vitamin C are two of the most recognizable antioxidants in our skincare. While they do very different things for the skin— vitamin C targets pigmentation and dark spots thanks to its brightening properties, and vitamin E is a hydrator—they are often paired together. “Together, they are a powerhouse of DNA repair and protection,” says Lolis. Koestline agrees and says that when the two vitamins are combined with ferulic acid, they provide antioxidant protection, along with brightening and scar-reducing benefits. She adds that studies have shown that they perform better together than by themselves.

How do you use vitamin E oil?

Incorporating vitamin E oil into your routine is fairly easy, as it’s found in many beauty products. Koestline says it works well with all ingredients, so you don’t have to swap out certain products to use vitamin E. She adds that while it can be applied directly onto your skin, some might find the consistency a bit too greasy. For that reason, it is best used as part of a product like a moisturiser, lotion, or a cleanser. “Vitamin E is not the most stable compound and is best used when formulated and stabilized into [these products],” she says.

If you do choose to use the oil version, Lolis says it should be the last step of your routine so that it doesn’t hinder other products in your routine from penetrating the skin. “The order in which [vitamin E oil] is applied is crucial because creams cannot penetrate through oils, but oils can penetrate through creams,” she says. “Therefore, you want to apply it after your creams.”

Popular vitamin E products include the classic Bio-Oil Skin Care Oil and the expert-loved Skinceuticals CE Ferulic, which Garshick says provides protection from environmental aggressors, improve the appearance of fine lines, and boost radiance. If you’re looking for a cream that incorporates the ingredients, she recommends something like the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Night Cream, which also has retinol to plump the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

CE Ferulic

Skinceuticals, ₹18,200.00

Magic Cream Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid

C15 Super Booster

Paula’s choice, ₹ 5,500.00

Vitamin B, C, and E Moisturizer

The Resurfacing Compound Skin Care Treatment

This story first appeared on vogue.com

Also read:

What is selenium and how can you tell if you’re deficient?

A dietician’s guide to the best multivitamins for women

How to use aloe vera for clear, acne-free skin

Hania Aamir wore the ‘Queen of Thar’ gown from Mishra’s collection entitled ‘Superheroes’, centred around his love for the intricate workings of nature—more specifically, the preserving power of insects and small beings. The gown resembled a lavish beetle, a motif also carefully placed onto the encrusted tulle dupatta that Aamir carried as a bespoke addition.

While the look incorporated Mishra’s signature love for all things embellished and handcrafted, it’s also a reminder of the meaningful subtext Mishra often imbues into his collections. The ‘Superheroes’ collection enlivened a period in time where insects, snakes and “benign creatures” were the only life that existed in peace.

Aamir completed her look with her go-to glam; flushed cheeks, natural skin and old Hollywood waves, similar to what she went for with her Itrh Official’s gota and lamé lehenga in cerulean blue.

From Vogue‘s fashion desk:

“To make this look your own, start by selecting a metallic hue that complements your skin tone—whether it’s a warm rose gold, sleek silver, or a muted gold. Swap the gown for a chic, fitted sleeveless crop top paired with a mermaid-esque skirt. The key to the old-world elegance lies in a sheer, almost-there dupatta—opt for a lightweight, tone-on-tone fabric. To add a touch of drama and break up the monochrome, go for a statement heel. A deep hot red can balance out gold, while a rich lilac will pair beautifully with rose gold, or a striking metallic blue offers a bold contrast to silver. Keep accessories minimal, letting your outfit speak for itself,” says Vogue India’s Associate Fashion Editor, Divya Balakrishnan.

Also read:

At Emmy Awards 2024, a couture gown by Rahul Mishra ensured Indian representation

Janelle Monáe gives the LBD an upgrade at the 2024 Grammys wearing an insect-inspired Rahul Mishra couture look

Designer Rahul Mishra on how Zendaya’s sari honored India

A powerful antioxidant present in many foods, selenium plays a vital role in thyroid function, supporting immune health and reducing inflammation. Studies have shown that if you have a balanced carnivorous diet and enjoy eating nuts and fish, you’re best placed to have an optimal level of selenium.

Here, nutritional therapists Farzanah Nasser and Eve Kalinik break down the key facts about selenium, the foods that can boost your intake, and how to tell if you’re deficient.

What is selenium?

“Selenium is an essential mineral that helps to support your metabolism, immune and cardiovascular health – although needed in small amounts, it’s essential for your overall wellbeing,” says Nasser. “It can also help to alleviate symptoms of Hashimoto thyroiditis – also known as Hashimoto’s disease – which is an autoimmune condition.”

Kalinik agrees, sharing that selenium “helps to buffer the effects of free radical damage in the body, whilst also boosting your ability to fight infections by increasing your white blood cell count”.

Selenium is also critical for thyroid hormone production. “It helps convert T4 – the inactive hormone – into T3 which is the active hormone,” Nasser explains. Additionally, selenium protects the thyroid gland from oxidative stress and damage, plus it “has been positively linked with reducing thyroid antibodies”, according to Kalinik.

How can you tell if you’re deficient?

Low selenium levels can lead to “weakened immunity, cognitive decline, muscle weakness, infertility, and thyroid dysfunction – in severe cases it can also contribute to an increased risk of chronic diseases and heart disease”, says Nasser. “Consuming just the right amount is incredibly important, and supports smaller yet vital elements of the body such as glutathione peroxidase enzymes – which protect your cells.”

A selenium deficiency can also lead to Kashin-Beck disease, which is a bone and joint disorder – primarily seen in parts of East Asia. Symptoms include cartilage damage and stunted growth, leading to severe mobility issues, Nasser explains.

“Selenium also helps your body to produce selenoproteins – which in turn aid healthy hair and nail maintenance,” Kalinik adds. “If facing a deficiency diagnosis, it’s important to make sure we ingest enough through the diet.” On the flip side, consuming too much selenium can lead to “symptoms of nausea, facial flushing and dizziness”.

What are the best sources of selenium?

1. Brazil nuts
2. Wild-caught salmon, sardines and tuna
3. Eggs
4. Sunflower seeds
5. Mushrooms
6. Grass-fed meats (beef, chicken, turkey)
7. Shellfish (shrimp, scallops, oysters)
8. Whole grains (brown rice, whole wheat, oats)

Should we be taking selenium supplements?

“For most people, it’s best to get selenium from food sources rather than supplements,” says Nasser. “If you suspect that you may have a deficiency, it’s always best to seek the advice of a medical professional,” Kalinik adds. A doctor will be able to safely guide you through a supplementation plan and monitor your levels over time – especially as higher dosages can lead to negative effects.

Holland & Barrett Selenium 200ug 120 Tablets

Holland & Barrett
₹ 1299.99

This story first appeared on Vogue.co.uk

Also Read:

10 probiotic-rich foods that are good for your gut

I wasn’t taking magnesium supplements correctly until a nutritionist told me this

Sulphur: the centuries-old skincare ingredient that gets breakouts & blemishes under control

Chunky Panday: You love my choice of clothes and you keep borrowing my shirts, but you don’t like the choice of films I want you to do…

AP: Your choice of clothing is questionable, but I do borrow your clothes occasionally. In terms of films, we’re from different generations and are different kinds of actors. But we bond over the films we love to watch. You’re my movie-going partner and we’ve watched commercial films together, such as Pushpa 2: The Rule (2024) and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017). Sometimes we lock horns when picking scripts because I want to explore my craft as much as possible and do roles that are slightly off-centre and more meaningful. I like that you let me make my own mistakes along the way and advise me in a non-pushy way. Soon enough, we’ll reach a middle ground.

Maheep Kapoor: We’ve had so many holidays together, from London to the US, South Africa and more. Do you have a precious memory from any of them?

AP: When we were in South Africa as kids, Shanaya and I wanted to be grown-ups so badly that she climbed on my shoulders and we wore a gigantic bathrobe to look like one person. Shanaya and I have always had this two-people-one-body thing. Even when you were pregnant with her, I used to sleep on your belly.

Shanaya Kapoor: You’ve come such a long way and we are all so proud of you, Anne. Do you feel you have had your I-made-it moment yet?

AP: I’ve had many mini I-made-it moments, but not that big one because I don’t ever want to get complacent. Even in school, I was always super competitive, a front-bencher and a teacher’s pet—both Suhana and you know this. But it’s less about beating someone and more about doing better. Even when my first film, Student of the Year 2 (2019), released and I won my first Filmfare Award, I thought: “I’ve made it.” But there’s always the next thing. Honestly, I don’t want the big I-made-it moment to ever come.

Collin D’Cunha: If you could play any character besides the ones you have, which one would it be and why?

The Dream Team ™ was roped in to make the process seamless. In an endearing role reversal, the groom-to-be stepped up for the wedding duties to dream up their big day. “I was away most of the time due to prior work commitments, so Vrishank handled a lot more than we had originally kept as our departments. He went for several recces and food tastings with our parents,” shares Koli.

The two-day destination affair kicked off with a welcome lunch and poolside mehendi. The mood board for the mehandi mirrored the bride-to-be’s personality—unfiltered and unflappable. The earthy palette served as the perfect organic canvas to highlight the orange marigold flowers, custom Ikat prints, clay pots and ghungroos on the table arrangements. The wooden pillars with jharokas made it feel like a backyard celebration.

When it came to her wedding wardrobe, life truly came full circle for Koli, who dressed the part in a top-to-toe Anita Dongre look. Comprising an ankle-length skirt and a waistcoat-style top in a rich emerald hue, her ensemble was intricately hand-embroidered by women artisans of SEWA foundation. “My bridal trousseau was the first thing I had ‘planned’ way before we started planning the wedding. A few years ago, I did a campaign with Anita and told her: ‘Whenever I get married, I want to wear this lehenga’. And about a month into my engagement in November 2023, I went to the Anita Dongre Rewild fundraiser at the City Palace in Jaipur and we spoke about it. Anita was most gracious she made a custom piece for me.” Khanal kept up with Koli in an olive custom embroidered Nehru jacket set from the couturier.

Next in line was the sunset haldi ceremony, overlooking the lake. Hand embroidered gold zari arches welcomed guests to the setting swathed in a yellow and gold colour story. The al fresco area was dotted with rattan furniture with block printed linens and brass urlis with fresh petals. At the bride-to-be’s behest, the tablescape was adorned with lots of sunflowers. “It was vibrant and colourful, exactly how I wanted it,” shares Koli, who wore an ivory sharara with gota patti work by Roze for the occasion, while Khanal complemented her in a matching kurta set.

The golden hour pheras, on February 25, 2025, were hosted at the lush lawns under the shadow of a tree to symbolise life and growth. “We went with a white and sage palette for the big day.” The serene space was amplified with hundreds of floral strings with chandeliers, ferns and foliage, which matched the motifs on Koli’s bridal lehenga. “When it came to my look, the only thing I told Anita [Dongre] is that I don’t want to wear red. The first lehenga that I tried on became my wedding lehenga. What stood out the most for me is that the sample piece showcased Parijat patterns, and my name Prajakta is another word for Parijat flower. It also has features Pichwai paintings and pockets. It was rounded off with two dupattas and Anita Dongre jewellery,” reveals Koli. The groom opted for an ivory look to go with her gold lehenga.

In contrast, for the reception, she wore “a stunning red Benarasi silk sari that’s gifted to me by Vrishank’s family along with a traditional nath to honour my Maharashtrian roots. Vrishank wore a classic Nepali Daura-Suruwal.”

That is, until “one day I had lunch with John and Alexis [Roche, his partner], and he said, out of the blue, ‘Would you consider doing something with me?’ And immediately I said ‘Yes of course!’ John was very, very happy. And suddenly he was a shower of ideas. This was a milestone in his story because he was so, so, so, into it. He was drowned by it, and so excited and so precise, and so full of his creative energy.” Galliano “always loved shoes but he’s never made them,” as Louboutin explains, so he has assembled key figures who have brought their skills to the medium, “and I’m very happy and proud to be one of them,” adds Louboutin. “You know, it’s funny when you work. We worked almost a year ahead, and it was very complicated—because his clothes are incredibly complicated to do because of the faux cul [the false bottom] and so on. Everything was on a level of couture that is almost never reached.”

Ultimately, the show was a triumph; a swansong for John Galliano’s extraordinary decade at Maison Margiela. “It was of a perfection,” says Louboutin, “that evening, with the drizzle under the bridge.” The show was held under the Pont Alexandre III bridge in Paris, where Galliano had conjured a sort of thread bare 1930s boite. It was a Brassai moment, with Pat McGrath’s extraordinary second skin, shining face masks.

“Even if I was expecting something which was going to be great, I was not necessarily ready to have such a vision of such an impactful show. It’s one thing that you can expect from very, very few designers, and you can expect this from him,” says Louboutin. “The level of emotion involved in the show, not only in the clothes, but in the show itself: it was a really magical moment. You know, it’s poetry and magic. Even just talking about it makes me emotional! It took 40 years of John Galliano to make me cry at a show,” remembers Louboutin. “…And the shoes!”

So now, taking a deep breath after the show of shows, Louboutin has worked on a second collection for Maison Margiela, the silhouettes drawn from the show. They have outlined a few stores, “So they will be sold at Margiela and they will be sold at Louboutin!” he exults. “Ever since I’ve known John,” Louboutin continues, “he has a kind of passion for tribal clothes, [clothes] from plays, from dance, from Kabuki. His brain is built boiling around that anyway.”

Tying a knot with your hair requires good dexterity (or the help of your hairdresser). Alternatively, apply a bow clip that mimics natural colour and texture to the sleek tail. The result is simple, romantic and elegant, making it perfect for daytime wear.

Long hair hairstyles for ceremony

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – NOVEMBER 27: Heart Evangelista wears sunglasses, a hair clamp / clip, earrings, a black off-shoulder / low-neck / corset top from COS, a golden bracelet from Cartier, during a street style fashion photo session, on November 27, 2023 in Manila, Philippines. (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

For an elegant and, above all, time-saving solution, get a special hair clip, perhaps one that has a large velvet bow or a flower. All you have to do is gather the lengths and secure them with the clip.

PARIS, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 28: Leonie Hanne wears all Givenchy with a twist in her hair outside the Givenchy show during the Womenswear Spring/Summer 2024 as part of Paris Fashion Week on September 28, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Kirstin Sinclair/Getty Images)Kirstin Sinclair/Getty Images

The cord knot bun is a great hairstyle option. To create it, start by making a torchon at the nape of your neck. Leave out a strand of hair to twist around the elastic partially. Finally, secure the hairstyle in place with hairspray and bobby pins.

This story first appeared on Vogue.it

Also Read:

Is your ponytail ruining your hair? 4 common mistakes to avoid

6 hairstyles from the ’90s that are set to make a comeback in 2025

Your step-by-step guide to applying haircare and styling products the right way

There’s nothing the media loves more than a bit of fashion outrage, especially when it involves skinny jeans. Every season it seems as though there is another instalment of “what the silly fashion people are up to now”, usually paired with a sniffy critique of the current and comical comings and goings of the sartorially-minded. Fashion month is ripe for the picking in this regard, and we eagerly await the comments section deluge that will inevitably occur when the tabloids clock the “walk of shame” trend that is emerging on the autumn/winter 2025 runways—perhaps even featuring skinny jeans in the mix..

But I digress. If there’s one trend that has evoked the most outrage over the last 12 months, it would have to be the skinny jean–and understandably so. Most of us who lived through the Noughties spin on the drainpipe silhouette will only just be regaining our circulation after a solid decade cocooned in Topshop’s Jamie style. In fact, every year the skinny was trending, it got progressively tighter and tighter, and its fabrication thinner and thinner, until all we were left with were denim’s own Frankenstein’s monster: the “jegging”.

However, for all the pearl-clutching comments and raging “will we, won’t we” debates over the skinny jean comeback, we have to remember that they’re just jeans, and most people wear whatever silhouette they love and feel best in, regardless of whether they are “in” or “out” of fashion. Maybe it needn’t be such a charged decision after all? Personally, I have a wide roster of jeans that cater to a variety of occasions: my high-waisted straight-legs are great with a heeled boot and a tucked-in shirt for when I want to nail the smart-casual brief, while my low-rise baggies are perfect for adding an edge to polished tops and jackets. Each has its place and its purpose.

Maybe it’s time to set aside my skinny jean reservations and consider it anew for a new season. Fit-wise, I would personally opt for a more subtle slim-fit jean over the spray-on skinnies of yore (Levi’s Shaping Slim Jean fits the bill nicely), and no matter what Miu Miu says, I won’t be going near a low-rise waistband when presented in conjunction with a tight leg. Styling-wise, I’m all about the knee-high boots plus oversized jacket and low-key top pairing, which I’ve seen everywhere at fashion week this season.

Eid is a time for everybody to get together, have fun, and create memories with the intention of spending an entire life with the ones they care about. Additionally, it’s far a possibility to have fun with your cultural historical past and to show off your non-public flair. When it involves the various special garb options that can be available, the Pakistani Salwar Kameez stands proud as a desire that is each traditional and adaptable. It is the right complement to the active environment of Eid due to its sophistication, comfort, and its extensive variety of options.

You can also additionally take your look to the following degree via means of deciding on a Pakistani Eid match that is suitable for the occasion, whether or not you’ll have a circle of relatives get-together or a large festive event. In this piece, we are able to talk about the several styles of salwar suits which can be worn in the course of Eid, check out the cultural importance of those fits, and offer a few styling recommendations that will help you create an outfit that is simply tremendous for the occasion.

Now that we’ve got your attention, let`s delve into the world of style and discover why Pakistani Eid salwar suits must be your pinnacle choice at some stage in this month of celebration!

Eid is a joyous event that brings together ones who’re expensive to one another so one can have a good time and make memories so as to be loved forever. A salwar suits for Eid is the correct desire for any event, whether or not it’s celebrations of Eid or different distinctive sorts of cultural gatherings, as it is available in a huge form of designs and patterns. The excellent Pakistani Eid salwar kameez is identified for its comfort, elegance, and versatility. It gives women the possibility to exhibit their man or woman fashion whilst nonetheless maintaining a conventional flare.

What better way to have a good Eid than through improving your wardrobe with a Pakistani salwar suits and including a hint of refinement on your look? Women everywhere in the international community keep in mind Pakistani salwar fits to be a critical thing in their cloth cabinet. The conventional clothes which can be worn have a unique attraction that unites them other than different sorts of ethnic clothing. They are even extra specific because of the huge variety of designs and patterns that they offer.

We are introducing you to some of the most well-known varieties of Pakistani Eid salwar suits:

An extra expensive take on traditional Pakistani apparel is the Pashmina Salwar Kameez. The top rate Pashmina wool used to make this fit is famed for its warmth, softness, and fashion. Because its miles are each elegant and comfy, the Pashmina Salwar Kameez is best for bloodless wintry weather days. For formal events like weddings and celebrations, it is the ideal fusion of traditional and contemporary style. This Pakistani Eid Salwar Kameez is the ideal option if you wish to dress in something opulent and cozy.

The best option for wearing something light on Eid is a lawn suit. They are composed of linen and cotton. Since lawn salwar suits are all about showing off prints, designs, colors, and anything else intriguing to flaunt on a hot summer day, you might want to try them for Eid. Wear your favorite leggings or cotton lawn cigarette trousers with lace cuff embellishments with lawn kurta sets that come in a variety of necklines and sleeve designs. You will definitely look gorgeous when relaxing at home in the classic Pakistani lawn salwar kameez.

These traditional Anarkali outfits are popular in India and around the world for Pakistani women. You may wear this pattern on every body type. The waist of the Anarkali suit flared into a flowing, flaring style. Women should get dressed in an easy churidar and a dupatta manufactured from chiffon. Since the Mughal era, those top notch ensembles had been a staple of Indian traditional attire. For many years, these garments had been reserved for formal occasions like weddings and different huge celebrations. To live up to the times, they had been up to date with Kurtis and Anarkali gowns. It strikes the ideal mix between classic and contemporary style.

A straight-cut kameez or tunic is worn with a salwar, or loose-fitting trousers, inside the traditional Pakistani ensemble referred to as the “immediately salwar kameez.” This undying appearance is well-favored for each formal occasion and everyday wear due to its beauty and simplicity. The straight-cut kameez is a conventional and adaptable piece that you may upload on your cloth dresser with the aid of embellishing it with published graphics, zari work, or complex embroidery. The Straight Salwar Kameez is an important object for any fashion-ahead woman wishing to include a few Pakistani styles into her cloth cabinet due to its comfy in shape and elegant look.

The Mughal and Pakistani civilizations are combined in the Sharara Suit. It consists of a dupatta, wide-legged pants, and a long top. The trousers have a different and elegant look because they flare out from the waist. Sharara fits deliver conventional Pakistani garb an elegant and present-day update, making them best for joyous occasions like Eid celebrations.

A relatively new addition to Pakistani design, the palazzo suit has grown in popularity because of its comfort and flair. The suit is ideal for hot summer days since it features a long top and comfy, airy, wide-legged pants. Conversely, the Palazzo Suit is perfect for informal events and can be dressed up or down for a more understated yet elegant look depending on the Eid occasion.

Pakistani salwar suits with thread embroidery are well-liked by people seeking a chic and classy ensemble. These outfits are visually stunning due to their elaborate patterns and decorations made with vibrant threads. The needlework gives the ensemble personality and charm, which makes it ideal for Eid celebrations. Pakistani salwar suits with thread embroidery are a flexible option that may be customized to your personal taste, whether you’re thinking about a classic or modern look.

Read more – https://blog.indianweddingsaree.com/traditional-salwar-suits-gleam-in-the-sparkle-of-the-tradition

Enjoy this Eid in style by dressing in the classic salwar suits. These dresses are ideal for adding even more distinctive touches to your celebrations because of their diverse patterns, cozy materials, and cultural importance. Discover the ideal ensemble that reflects your individuality and the festive spirit of Eid by perusing the extensive selection of Pakistani Eid suits.

You can’t go wrong with these timeless yet fashionable options, whether you select for a royal Anarkali, a breezy lawn ensemble, or an extravagant Pashmina salwar suit. Enjoy the elegance and adaptability of Pakistani women’s Eid salwar suits and make treasured moments while looking your best!

In culinary school in New York City, chef Henri Viain, my Basque instructor, would watch me sneak extra pinches of cayenne into my choux batter while prepping gougères and say, “Roshni, you are going to kill me.” Anytime there was a blind spice tasting in class, I was made to go last because as the Indian kid in the room, I would recognise each one right away and ruin the fun.

That was 2010. In the 15 years since, as Indian food has garnered more acceptance and delight around the globe, with desi chefs like Chintan Pandya, Sameer Taneja and Saurabh Udinia opening award-winning restaurants in major cities across the planet, diners everywhere are embracing the Scoville Heat Units (SHU) we bring to the table. Spice tolerance has become a celebrated achievement, a test of bravado. One that Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman remarkably failed when they teared up while eating chicken wings doused in sauces on the YouTube show Hot Ones. The actors appeared on the show to promote Deadpool & Wolverine (2024), the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time based on two unkillable superheroes—invincible to everything, but eventually slayed by the Da’ Bomb Beyond Insanity Hot Sauce.

Go to a restaurant that takes its food seriously and you’ll likely be plied with intense dabs of complimentary dips to showcase major kitchen skills. In recent months, I have discovered a Byadgi chilli jam at Mumbai’s newly opened Kerala Quarters, a gongura relish at Burma Burma, a Mathania chilli crisp at Chard in Delhi and a long-pepper butter at Hosa in Goa. If I’m crying, these are only happy tears.

At Foo Asian Tapas, guests can sign up for a challenge. If a diner finishes three morsels topped with the restaurant’s bhut jolokia (ghost pepper) sauce, they get a special treat. “We have someone fan you with a Chinese fan to help you cool off,” says co-founder Keenan Tham. “It’s not for everybody, though. We cannot guarantee what happens to you the next day.” The restaurant, with branches in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune and Mumbai, has loyalists descend on its annual Fiery Edit Menu when limited-edition dishes and drinks are built around capsaicin (the compound that makes chillies hot). Throughout the year, tables at Foo also have trays stacked with its signature sauces. “People come in, combine the sauces in their proportions and eat the mix. They want the tray refilled four, five, six times,” Tham adds.